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H. W. HELMS Y AUTOMATIC SEMITRAILER May 2, 1.933. v

original Filed July 2e. 1928 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 llllL .I llll T11. Mil!.LF IL F b lIIV/l/ H. W. HELMS AUTOMATIC SEMITRAILER Re. 18,821 ,-1928 3Sheets-Sheet 5 May 2, 1933.

original File Ju1y` 26 ZmV'e @for Y WHe Ressued May 2, 1933 UNITEDSTATES PATENT OFFICE HARRY HELMS, F DETRQIT, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR T0HIGHWAY TRAILER COMPANY., OF EDGERTON, WISCONSIN, A CORPORATION 0FWISCONSIN Originnl No. 1,783,087, dated November 25, 1930, Serial No.295,567, filed July 26, 1928. Application for reissue led November 21,

This invention relates to a vehicle unit comprising a tractor andsemi-trailer, and more particularly to improvements of construction bymeans of which the tractor and trailer are coupled and uncoupled,positively and xwith facility, together with means temporarilysupporti'ng the trailer when detached from the tractor. An object of thepresent invention is to utilize the coupling and uncoupling movements ofthe tractor and trailer for automatically moving the trailer supportingmeans out of and into operative positions, re-

spectively. f

Another object is to provide an improved construction adapted to permitengagement and locking together of the fifth wheel members of thetractor and trailer before any of the trailer load is assumed by thetractor.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improvedconstruction for ensuring positive and safe temporary support for thetrailer, which support is adapted to be carried into operative ,positionbefore uncoupling of the fifth wheel members and not renderedinoperative until the fifth wheel members are locked togetherin coupledrelation.

A still further object is to provide an improved coupling constructionfor tractorsemi-trailer units, which is simple, durable and positive inoperation, and which may be economically manufactured. It consists incertain features and elements of construction, `in combination, asherein shown and described, and as indicated by the claims.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a view in side elevation of a vehicle unit embodying thepresent invention; the trailer and tractor being shown in coupledrelation.V

Figure 2 is a fragmentary plan View of the frontend of the trailer withthe auxiliary frame telescoped 'on the main frame in coupling relation,but with the tractor omitted.

Figure 3 is a vertical section through the front end of the trailerframe, taken on the line 3 3 on Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a view in side elevation of the trailer and rear end ofthetractor. showing the trailer in temporary supported position,

with the auxiliary frame extended upwardly 1932. Serial N'O. 643,783.

and forward of the trailer main frame and the fifth wheel. membersconnected together ready to complete the uncoupling or couplingoperation.

Figure 5 is a transverse section through the auxiliary frame and trailermain frame taken l at the line 5 5 on Figure 2.l

Figure 6 is a vertical cross section through the front end of thetrailer taken substantially as indicated at the line 6 6 on Figure 2,showing parts of the locking mechanism of the lower fifth wheel memberon the tractor in locking engagement withthe king pin.

Figure 7 is a front end View of the trailer main frame and auxiliaryframe, as they would appear in coupling position of the trailer andtractor, the tractor being omitted.

Figure 8 is a fragmentary worms-eye view showing in perspective thebrake locking and releasing mechanism.

Figures 9 and 10 are fragmentary views in plan and in side elevationrespectively, showing the brake locking and releasing mechanism.

For clarity and for the purpose of illustrating the present invention,the semi-trailer is shown in the drawings with the body omitted and withthe rear end of the tractor shown more or less diagrammatically. Thetrailer as shown comprises a main frame, 10, the 80' rear endthereof/being supported by a pair of Wheels, 11, the forward end beingeither swivelly lsupported on the rear of the tractor, 12, ortemporarily supported by means hereinafter described. This swivelconnection consists of a fifth wheel having an upper 1 member, 13,mounted on the underside of an auxiliary frame, 14, which is slidablysup.v ported in the main frame, 10, and a lower member 15, pivotallysupported on a transverse, horizontal axis on the rear end of thetractor to permit said lower member to be rocked fore-and-aft about itssup ort. To make the present invention more c early understood, it maybe assumed that the construction of the fifth wheel is similar to thatshown in Patent No. 1,412,025 issued to Martin et al, April 4, 1922. Thelower fifth wheel member is formed with the usual V-shape slot(notk/shown) which guides the king pin, 17,l

secured to and depending from the underside of the upper Iifth wheelmember, 13, into the .terminal of the slot where its head, 17a', isautomatically engaged by a pair oflatch fingers, 16, locking the ifthwheel members together in operative relation. As shown in Figure 6v andFigure 4, these fingers are connected to links, 16a, which in turn areconnected to an operating bar, 166, extending forwardly of the fifthWheel members, and connected to a cable, 160, which leads to aconvenient place of manipulation in the drivers cab of the tractor (notshown). It is to be understood that the fingers, 16, are designed toyield in the direction to admit the pin, and lock it in the terminalportion of the V-slot, and the pin may only be released by moving thefingers clear of it by pulling the cable, 160i The surrounding portionof the terminal of said V-slot is of a thickness to engage the shank,176, of said king pin between the upper :fifth wheel member and thehead, 17a, and

thereby prevent vertical separation of said fifth Wheel members whenthey are locked in coupling relation. The king pin is secured to theupper fifth wheel member by a nut, 18, and the portion ofsaid pinextending through said upper member, 13, is reduced at 170, so

that the shank, 176, shoulders against the un' derside of said member,13.

In tractor-trailer coupled position, the auxiliary frame, 14, istelescoped in the main frame, 10, with the temporary supporting membersin raised or inoperative position j remote from the end ofthe trailer,as shown in Figure 1; and as herein shown these members consist ofWheels, 19, journaled at the lower ends of the leg members, 20, whichare rigidly secured to the end of the auxiliary frame. There is. thusprovided a unitary auxiliary frame and ground engaging sup.- portmounted for longitudinal movement on the forward end of the main frame.To uncouple the tractor and trailer, brakes are seton the trailer; thetractor then travels forwardly for a short distance, drawing theauxilia'ry frame outV of the main frame and disposing the sup ort'ingmembers in an operative position a jacentthe end of the trailer, and byreason of the construction hereinafter described, the auxiliary frametilts into inclined position, as shown in Figure 4, and

pin 17.

remains inclined while theuncoupling opera. tion is com letedl By thetime the auxiliary frame reac es its extended position, the supportingwheels, 19, are carried downwardly into ground-engaging position toassume the load of the trailer. vIn this extended position of theauxiliary frame, the fifth Wheelinembers are relieved of load, and maybe quickly and easil disengaged from. each other by releasing thyelocking mechanism from the king To couple the tractor and trailer, the oerations are reversed, that is, the fifth w eel members engage eachother by backing the tractor toward the trailer, with the king pinguided in the V-groove (not shown) in tl/te lower member, until it isautomatically locked thereto for securing said fifth wheel memberstogether. The tractor is then backed further, carrying the auxiliaryframe rearwardly into the main frame and simultaneously elevating thesupporting wheels, 19; the portion of the load of the trailer assuined\Iby the tractor increasing as it moves rearward in the final portion ofthe coupling operation. It will now be clear that the actual connectionand disconnection of the fth wheel members is performed during theinitial and final portions respectively, of the coupling and uncouplingoperations, when the load is supported entirely by the auxiliary wheels,19.

l The lowerfifth wheel member, 1'5, is overbalanced rearwardly so thatit assumes a definite rearwardly tilted position when uncoupled ftheangle at which it is tilted being substantially the same as theinclination of the extended upper member to insure engagement of theking pin withthe lower membei` in coupling relation.

The auxiliary frame, 14, may be composed 'of structural channel members,25, securedv *'also built of structural channels; the front f end ofsaid main fraineincludes short channel members, 26, at opposite sides ofsaid auxiliary frame, and the channel members, 25, 1 of the auxiliaryframe are of slightly less height than the front members, 26, or sidemembers, 27, of the main frame. The lower `edges of both frames aresubstantially iiush When'the auxiliary frame is telescoped in the mainframe, i. e. in coupled position, and the dil'erence'in height of saidframes aii'ords proper clearance, especially in tilting of the auxiliaryframe to the position show n' in Figure y4. The upper lifth wheel memberis secured to the lower flanges of the channels, 25, and projects belowsaid frames as seen in the drawings, thus providing a large bearingsurface for the fifth wheel. Y

The auxiliary frame extends slightly beyond the main frame whentelescoped therein. The main frame includes a pair of intermediatechannel members, 28, extending longitudinally of the trailer on oppositesides of the auxiliary frame, and also proj ecting beyond the frontframe members, 26. A transversely extending pivot shaft, 29, is

journaled in bearings, 30,y securedI to the pro jecting ends of themembers, 28. Said shaft -is retained in place by nuts, 31,- on its outerends, abutting said\bearings. Apair. of supporting rollers, 32 aremounted on said shaft,

.rockable connection between the auxiliary and main frames. whichconnection is shiftable forwardly of the transverse axis of the trailersupporting means on the tractor during movement of the temporary trailersupporting members to inoperative position,

and rearwardly of said transverse axis during movement of said temporarysupporting members to operative position.

The :ear end of the auxiliary frame carries a transverse shaft, 40, theends of which extend through the side members, 25, and bearings 41,secured to the inner sides of said members. vThe out-er ends of saidshaft are fitted with rollers, 42, positioned forl rolling engagementwith downwardly curved guide tracks, 43, .which depend rigidly from theintermediate channel members, 28, of the main frame, and cause thetilting`of the auxiliary fram-e as it is extended forwardly. These guidetracks, 43, are cast members, each having its lower end formed with anoffset pocket, 44. into which the rollers, 42, enter and seat forretaining the auxiliary f fame in the inclined position, when'the sameis extended as shown in Figure 4. It is evident that the tilting andretention of the auxiliary frame' in such inclined position is duemainly to the load or weight of the forward end of the trailer assumedby the supporting legs` 20, and wheels, 19, which are rigid with saidauxiliary frame.

When the auxiliary frame is telescoped into.

the main frame in coupled relation as shown in Figure 1. it is necessaryto 'lock it in such position` and for this purpose I provide a lockingmechanism which comprises a transversely extending rock shaft, 46,journaled' adjacent its ends in bearings 47, which are integral withcast lock supporting guides, 48, secured to the front side of an angleiron, 49` extending across the main frame and secured to the framemembers 27 and 28. As shown in Figure 3, the lock supporting guides, 48,

' are chambered for vertically movable locking dogs. 50, each of whichis provided with an actuating pin, 51, extending laterally of said dogthrough a vertical slot, 52. i Coil springs, 53. are disposed in thechambered portion.. of the members, 48, and adapted to normally tend toforce the dogs downward into operative engagement with stops, 54, whichfor convenience may be integrally formed on the upper surface of theguide tracks, 33, adjacent their forward ends. Lock actuating fingers,55, are fixed on the rock shaft, 46, outside of cast members, 48, inposition to engage the pins 51, of the locking dogs, 50, and a lever,56, is fixed to the outer end of said shaft for rocking the same. Acrank arm, 57, is fixed to the shaft, 46, and connected'to an operatingrod 58 for controlling the brakes of the trailer. As shown in Figure 3,the lever, 56, is in brake releasing position with the locking dogs, 50,operatively locking the auxiliary frame in the main frame. But it willbe clear that by moving the lever, 56, to the position shown in Figure4, rocking the shaft, 46, the fingers, 55, will operate on pins, 51, toraise the locking dogs, 50, against the reaction of the springs, 53, torelease the auxiliary frame from the main frame. This same rockingmovement of the shaft causes longitudinal movement of the rod, 58, bythe crank arm. 57, thus applying the trailer brakes.

After the brakes have been applied by the lever 56, they are held insuch position by automatic detent mechanism which is released, however,when the auxiliary frame has been telescoped back in o the main frame.The mechanism includes t e brake rod, 58, which is connected at its rearend to a crank arm, 65. mounted on one end of the rock shaft,

' 66. which is supported in bearing brackets, 67,

secured to the intermediate frame members,28, rearwardly of the auxiharyframe. Mountdownwardly extending crank arm, 68, which is pivotallyconnected Aat ,its outer end to a trip lock member, 69, extendingrearwardly and pivotally connected at its opposite'end to an operatingrod, 70. Said rod, 70, in turn is pivoted to a crank arm, 71 on a brakerock shaft, 7 2, which is supported in brackets, 7 3, on the main frameforwardly of the rear wheels, 11. On Y the. opposite ends of said shaft,72, are crank arms, 74, which are pivoted to rods, 75, for actuating thebrakes on the rearwheels. Y

l A structural tie brace member, 77, connects the frame members, 28,rearwardly of tbev auxiliary frame and secured to said brace is adepending bracket, 78, reinforced at its lower end by a rearwardlyextending brace member, 79. Said bracket is provided with a laterallyextending catch lug, 80, normally in contact with the edge of the triplock member, 69, as shown in Figure 9, and adapted to automaticallyengage in the lateral notch, 81. formedin the adjacent edge of the tripmember, 69, when the linkage is moved forward for setting thebrakes,thus holding said linkage in brake applying position. One of thebrackets, 67, is formed with a laterally extending arm, 82, on which ispivotally mounted` a bell crank. 83, havingan upwardly bent arm, 84, theend offwhi'ch is provided with a bolt,'85, adapted toencounter the rearend of the auxiliary frame when telescoped in the -ed at about themiddle of the shaft, 66, is a g connecting linkage.

main frame; said bolt being adjustable to vary the extent of protrusionof the end contacting said auxiliary frame tolimit the extent ofmovement of the bell crankand its The upper end of said arm, adjacentthe bolt is formed with an upwardly extending lug, 86, adapted tocooperate with a down turned lug, 87, adjustably secured to the tiemember, 77, for limiting the extent of forward swing of the arm aboutthe pivot of the bell crank. The bell crank is provided with a shortarm, 88, extending substantially horizontally and has rockably andpivotally connected at its outer end, a trip lock catch, 89, which isfree to move about said pivot against the reaction of a spring, 90,-

connected at one end to said catch adjacent the pivot and connectedatthe other end to the bracket, 78. The triplock catch, 89, extendsabove and beyond the triplock member,

. 69, as shown in Figure 9.

It will be understood that the brake linkage including cranks, 68 and71, and link members, 69 and 70, has suliicient looseness in itsconnections to permit positioning them out of a straight line, but thatwhen the pull is exerted on the linkage in applying the brakes, thesemembers tend to assume a straight line position, so that the tripmember, 69,- isurged laterally toward the catch lug,.80, insuringengagement thereof by the notch, 81. When the brakes are released andthe auxiliary frame is locked into the main frame in coupled positionthe rear end of said auxiliary frame is in contact with the adjustablebolt of the upright arm, 84, of the bell crank at which position thearm, 84, is

held, against the reaction ofspring, 90, on the other arm, 88, of thebell crank. When the brakes are applied by actuation of rod, 58, inksetting the lever, 56, the linkage including the trip member, 69,l ismoved longitudinally permitting its notch, 81, to be engaged by thecatch lug, 80,'thus holding the brakes applied and simultaneously withsuch movement the upright lug, 91, on the lock member, 69, engages adepending lug, 92, on the underside of catch member, 89, moving itrearward-v ly about its pivot. Then when the auxiliary frame istelescoped out ofl the main frame, spring, 90, vacting on the bellcrank,.swings arm 84, forwardly which movement is limited by the stoplugs, 86 and 87. 'The lug, 92, on the under side of-said catch, 89, isformed with two leg portions -at substantially right angles of eachother as indicated in dotted lines in Figure 9; the edge of one legportion being flush with the face of the hook` portion, 95, of saidcatch member. V

This forwardmovement of the bell crank arm'84, permits the short arm,"88, to. move toward the center of the vehicle, carrying the catchmember, 89, inwardly, freeing its lug, 92 from lug, 91 of strip member,69; and due to the' spring 90, the freeend of the catch member 89, iscaused to abut against the rear side of catch lug, 80. When in brakeapplyingl position, the lug, 94, on the lock'member, 69, adjacent notch,81, is moved just rearwardly of catch lug, 80. The face of this lug isinclined for engagement by the cooperat-l ing hook portion 95, of catchmember, 89.

Thus when the auxiliary frame telescopes into Athe main frame, it movesarm 84, rearwardly, causing the short arm, 88, to pull the catch member,89, outwardly, the inclined face of the hook portion, 95, of catchmember,

from catch lug 80. In this position a leg of lug, 92, of catch member,89, is vpositioned between lugs, 91 and 94, of said lock member,

69, and in order to permit the lug, 94, to slide oli' the face of thehook portion, 95, said lug,

91, is formed with a rearwardly facing incline or cam surface, 91a,which is adapted to be engaged by said leg of lug; 92, causing saidcatch, 89, to ride up over saidlug 91, by rockingl 'about its pivotconnection to the arm, 88, of the bell crank, 84, said linkage thenbeing permitted to move to brake releasing position. It will 'beunderstood that this releasing operation is entirely automatic and iscarried into effect almost instantaneously ,as the auxiliary framecompletes its telescopic movement into the main frame, permittingr thesprings acting to move the brake link'- age to release position, toimpart movement through the detent linkage for causing rocking of shaft,66,-Which shifts rod, 58, rearwardly, and moves lever, 56, forwardly,thus permitting the dogs. 50,A to be released for l positively lockingthe auxiliary frame in the main frame. A

1 For .various reasons it may be desired to move the trailer about whenuncoupled from its tractor, in which condition the trailer nor- -mallyhas its brakes set and it is therefore 'desirable to prpvide anindependent release for the brakes. This includes an operating. lever,97, pivoted to the bracket member, 78,

and having a downwardly extending arm or lug, 98, positioned to engagelug, 99, onthe trip lock member, 69, when the same is inv brake applyingposition.

Thus by swinging the lever, the lug, 98, l

shifts the member, 69, laterally, freeing the notch, 81, from catch lug,80, and thus releasing the brakes; the brakes of course may be` resetbylever, 56, at any time. Asprin'g,'1(l0,v

is connected to the main frame and tothe l lever, 97, for holding theVlug, 98, out of contact with the trip lock member, 69. l

Briefly, the coupling operation of 'the tractor. and trailer consists ofthe following movements g-first, backing the tractor toward the trailerso that the fifth4 wheel mem bers engageand become automatically lockedtogether-while the auxiliary 4frame is still in f extended position;then continuing the rearward movement of .the tractor, telescoping theauxiliary frame into the main frame,

thus` tilting the fifth wheel membersintohorizontal position;simultaneously with this rearward movement, the temporary supportingmembers are automatically raised ofi` the g1ound,tlie brakes 'beingautomatically releasedin the manner already described. Substantiallysimultaneously with these automatic operations, the auxiliary framebecomes automatically locked in the main frame by the latch bolts, 50.To uncouple lthe vehicles'thelever, 56, is first operated to set thebrakes and lift the bolts, 50, then the tractor is moved forwardly,drawing the auxiliary frame out of the trailer (which is held againstmovement by its brakes) automatically lowering the temporary supportsinto operative position, the fifth wheel members then being releasedfrom the drivers cab to permit the vehicles to` separate.

If desired, the setting of the brakes and releasing of the auxiliaryvframe locking mechanism may also bel controlled from the drivers cab,but to insure safety, it is preferable to control this operation in themanner shown and described.

l. In combination with a tractor and a semi-trailer having a main frame,a fifth Wheell providing a turntable connection between said tractor andtrailer, said' fifth wheel including a lower member carried on the.tractor and an upper member slidably mounted on the trailer main frameand forwardly extensible relative to said frame during uncoupling of thetractor from the trailer, means causingtilting of said upper member asLit is forwardly extended, and supporting means rigidly connected tosaid upper member and movable therewith lnto trailer-supporting positionwhen said upper lnember 'is movedto its extended and tilted position,said upper member when in such extended position being adapted forrearward movement relative to the main frame upon coupling of thetractor and trailer, said combined tilting and'rearward movement of theupper member snnultaneously rendermg said supporting means inoperatlve.

2. In combination, a tractor, a semi-trailerv iary frame and actuatedthereby mand' out of trailer-supporting position by the relativemovement of the auxiliary frame. during the uncoupling and couplingrespec-4 tively ofthe tractor and trailer.

3. In the combination :defined in claim 2,

to the main frame adjacent the forward end vthereof insupportingengagement with the auxiliary frame providing a pivot axisabout which said auxiliary frame and upper fth guiding means includingrollers journaled wheel member tilt upwardly when extended during theuncoupling .of the trailer and. tractor. y

4. In;v combination, a tractor, a semi-trailerl having a mainframe andan auxiliary frame lslidably carried thereby, a fifth wheel for swivellysupporting the trailer on the tractor,

comprising a lower member mounted on the` tractor and an upper membercarried byi'the auxiliary frame, rollers journaled at the forward end ofthe main frame, tracks on said auxiliary frame engageable with therollers for supporting the forward end of the auxiliary frame, saidauxiliary frame land upperv fth. wheel vmember being adapted forextension forwardly and upwardly over said rollers as a pivot during theuncoupling of the tractor from' the trailer, said auxillary frame andfifth wheel member being adapted for return movement when the tractor isiframe and swivel part being forwardly extensible into an upwardlyinclined position during the separation of the tractor from theltrailer, and being adapted for return movement when the tractor isbacked toward the trailer; supporting means connected to the auxiliaryframe movable into and out of ltrailer supporting position by therelative tilting movement of lsaid auxiliary frame, and means guidingthe upward movement of said auxiliary fra-me and upper swivel part.

6. In thecombination defined in claim 5, said guiding means including aroller for the forward end, and agdownwardly inclined track for the rearend of said'auxiliary frame.

7. In the combination defined in claim 5,

`means for holding said auxiliary frame and upper swivel part inupwardly inclined posin tion When'the trailer is uncoupled from thetractor for maintaining the trailer 'support-l ing means in operativeposition.

8i In the combination deined in claim 5, rollers on thev auxiliary framecooperating 1 with inclined .tracks on the main frame whereby the rearend of the auxiliary frame is caused to move downwardly in apredetermined path, carrying said supporting means into ground engagingposition for supporting the trailer when it is uncoupled from thetractor.

9. In the combination defined in claim 5, rollers on the auxiliary framecooperating with inclined tracks on the main frame whereby the rear endof the auxiliary frame is caused to move downwardly in a predeterminedpath, carrying said supporting means into groundengaging position forsupporting the trailer, said tracks being formed with pockets in whichsaid rollers are seated by the weight of the trailer on the supporting Imeans.

by virtue of this connection to lthe lower mem- 10. In combination, atractor, a semitrailer having a main frame, an auxiliary frame slidablyassociated therewith, a fifth wheel for swivelly supporting the traileron the tractor when connected thereto, and including a lower memberrockably mounted'on the tractor, and an upper member carried by thcauxiliary frame, a king pin on the upper member engageable by lockingmeans associated with the lower member, said auxiliary frame and upperfifth wheel member being adapted for forward extension relative to thetrailer ber on the tractor during the initial part of the uncouplingoperation, means causing upward tilting of said extended part oftheauxiliary frame and both lfifth wheel members as said frame is carriedforwardly during said initial part of the uncoupling operation, saidauxiliary frame and upper member beingldesigned to remain in such eX-tended position while unc'oupled; the king pin being positiondforengagement by the lower member for moving said auxiliary frame and uppermember to return position .'semitrailer which consists in supporting atrailer temporarily Awiththe forward end of itsupper fifth Wheel `membertilted upwardly, then moving' the tractor frame thereunder with itslowerfifth wheel member tilted yin cooperating relationV for engagingthe up r fifth wheel member, then causing both ofle said fifth wheelmembers to be shifted as a unitv to al horizontalposition, such"shifting of the fifth wheel members simultaneously rendering thetemporary support in-` operative.v

13. The method of coupling a 4tractor and ,semi-trailer which consistsin supporting a trailer temporarily with the fo ward end of its upperfifth wheel member ti ted upwardly, then moving the tl'acto'r framethereunder with its lower fifth wheel member inclined in cooperatingrelation, then engaging and locking the fifth Wheel members together; afurther portion of the coupling movement causing said fifth wheelmembers to assume a substantially horizontal position and simultaneouslycarry the temporary support out of i operative posltion.

14. The method .of coupling and uncoupling a tractor and semi-trailer,consisting in supporting the trailer` temporarily with the upper fifthwheel member tilted forward and upward, then moving the tractor framethereunder with its lower fifth wheel member tilted in cooperatingrelation for eigaging the upper fifth wheel member, then causingsaid`fifth wheel members to assume a substantially horizontal positionand carrying the supporting means out of ground-engaging position; theinitial portion of the uncoupling movement consisting in tilting bothofthe fifth wheel members forwardly and upwardly, and simultaneouslymoving the supporting means into ground-engaging position, thenunlocking said fifth wheel members and separating them-for completingthe unconpling operation.

15. The Imethod of coupling a tractor and semi-trailer which consists intemporarily supporting the forward end of the trailer with theupperfifth wheel member inclined forwardly and upwardly, then moving thetract-or toward the trailer with thelower fifth wheel member thereontilted rearwardly in cooperating relation for engaging the upper fifthwheel member, locking the fifth wheel members together in such inclinedposition;

then swinging said 'fifth wheel'members to gether to al horizontalposition,

, 16i The method of coupling and uncoupling a tractor and semi-trailervwhich consistsin temporarily supporting thefo'rward end of thetrailerwith its upper fifth wheel member vdisposed in an ,upwardly andforwardly inclined position, then moving the, tractor toward the trailerwith the lower fifth rating wheel member thereon tilted in' coo relationfor engaging the upper fift wheel member, locking thefifth wheel memberstogether in such inclined position, and swingmg them together to ahorizontal Osition; theVV uncoupling operation consisting 1n swingingthe fifth wheel members together toan inclinedpo'sition, then unlockinsaid members to permit separation thereo in such inclined osition.

'17. e method of couplinga tractorand- -supporting the forward end ofthe trailer with the upper fifth wheel member tilted forwardly andlupwardly; then moving the tractor frame thereunder with its lower fifthwheel member tilted in cooperating relation for engaging the upper fifthwheel member, moving both of said fifth wheel members to a substantiallyhorizontal position, and utilizing such movement for rendering thetcmporary support inoperative.

19. In combination with a tractor andsemi-trailer, a fifth wheel forswivelly supporting one end of the trailer on the tractor including anupper member movably mounted on the trailer, and a lower member movablymounted on the tractor, whereby the upper member is adapted to assume aforwardly and upwardly inclined postion, and the lower member arearwardly and Ylownwardly inclined position at planes substantiallyparallel to each other whenuncoupled, and said members are adapted to beswung together to a horizontal position when cngaged.

2U. In the combina/.tion set forth in claim 19, means for locking thefifth wheel members together while said members are disposed in suchinclined relation.

2l. In combination with a tractor and a semi-trailer. having a mainframe, an auxiliary frame movably supported thereby,

means for'normally locking it to the main frame, a swivel connectionbetween the tractor and trailer comprising an upper member carried bythe auxiliary frame and a cooperating lower member mounted on thetractor, said locking means heilig adapted for releasing the auxiliaryframe for movement in the uncoupling of the vehicles, said lockingrmeans having connections 'serving also for setting the brakes of thetrailer, and means actuated by said auxiliary frame during thecouplinfl' operation for effecting the release of said trailer brakes.

2Q. In the combination defined in claim :31,

said last mentioned connections also being' arranged for simultaneouslyrenderii'ig the locking means operative for locking the auxiliary frameto the main frame.

23. In combination with a tractor and a semi-trailer having a mainframe, an auxiliary frame movably supported thereby and normally lockedthereto, a swivel connection between the tractor and trailer comprisingan upper member carried by the auxiliary frame and a cooperating lowermember mounted on the tractor, manualy operable -me'ans adapted forreleasing the. auxiliary frame for movelnent during uncoupling of thevehicles and also serving for applying the trailer brakes, independentlyoperable means for releasing said brakes at will, and means actuated bythe return movement of the auxiliary frame for insuring release of lthetrailer brakes during the Coupling opertion.

24. In colnbination with a tractor and semi-trailer, a fifth wheel forswivelly'supporting one end of the trailer on the tractor, including anupper member movably mounted on the trailer anda lower member pivotallycarried on the tractor for adjustment about an axis below the plane ofengagement of said upper and lower members, whereby the upper member isadapted to assume a forwardly and upwardly inclined position and thelower member -a rearwardly and downwardly inclined position at planessubstantially parallel to each other when uncoupled, and said membersare adapted to be swung together to a horizontal position by therelative movement thereof about said axis when engaged.

In combination with a tractor and a Asemi-trailer, a .fifth wheel forswivelly sup-- porting one end of the trailer on the tractor whencoupled thereto, vsaid fifth wheel including an upper member movablymounted on the trailer and a lower member movably mounted on thetractor, said 'upper member being adapted to be tilted in a forwardlyand upwardly inclined position and the lower member in a downwardly andrearwardly inclined position, during the separation of the tractor andtrailer, said members being arlapted'when engaged during couplingoperation to be swung together to` a horizontal position, and supportingmeans adapted to be actuated by the tilting movement of said uppermember for moving said means out-of and into trailer supportingpositions respectively.

26. In combination with atractor and a semi-trailer, a fifth wheelswivelly supporting the trailer on the tractor when coupled thereto,said fifth wheel comprising a lower member on the tractor, mounted forrocking about a transverse horizontal axis, and an upper cooperatingmember movably mounted o n the trailer, the forward end of said uppermember being adapted for tilting upwardly during uncoupling of saidtrailer and tractor and to be tilted downwardly during the couplingaction, and means connected to said upper member adjacent its rear end,adapted to be moved into and out of trailer supporting position byvirtue of the tilting action of said upper member, said lower memberfsition.

wheel fory swivelly supporting the trailer on the tractor when connectedthereto, the fifth wheel comprising a lower membermounted on the tractorand a cooperating upper member secured to the auxiliary frame, saidupper member and auxiliary frame being forwardly extensible during theinitial part of the uncoupling operation, and returnable to the originalposition by the final portion of the movement for coupling the tractorto the trailer, means movable into and out of trailer supportingposition 4by the relative movemelit of the auxiliary frame, and meansfor locking the auxiliary frame to the main frame when the same isshifted into coupling position, an operating lever arranged forreleasing said locking means, and .connections from 4said lever adaptedto simultaneously apply the brakes of the trailer when the auxiliaryframe is unlocked from the main frame, together with dete'nt meansassociated with the brake connections and releasable by the return ofthe auxiliary frame to locked po- 28. In combination with a tractor andsemi.- trailer, a fifth wheel for swivelly supporting the end of thetrailer on the tractor, said fifth wheel including a lower membermounted on the tractor for tilting about a transverse horizontal axisand an upper cooperating member tiltably mounted on the trailer,v saidmembers being caused to assume cooperatively tilted positions when thetractor and trailer are uncoupled, and adapted when engaged duringcoupling of said vehicles, to be A swung about the transverse axisofsaid lower fifth wheel member to a substantially horizontal position.29. In combination with a tractor and semii trailer, a fifth wheel forswivell'y supporting the end of. the trailer on the tractor, said fifthwheel'including a lower member mounted on the tractor for tilting abouta transverse horizontal axis and an upper cooperating member tiltablymountedonj the trailer, supporting means. connectedl to -the uppermember,arranged for temporarily supporting the trailer when .thevehicles'are uncaused to assume cooperativelytilted positions when thetractor and trailer are ,uncoupled, and adapted when engaged during vthe coupling movements, of said vehicles to be swung about thetransverse axis of the (i lower fifth wheelto a substantially horizon- Ftal position, such movement of the wheel lnembers rendering thetemporary trailer supporting means inoperative. v

In combination with a tractor and a senil-trailer, a fifth wheelproviding a turnmembers being table connection between said tractor andy trailer, said fifth Vwheel including a lower member mounted on thetractor for rocking about a trans 'Yerse horizontal axis, and normallyassuming a rearwardly tilted position when uncoupled, and an uppermember slidabl and rockably mounted on the trailer 'an adapted to assumean extended and upwardly tilted position when the tractor and trailerare uncoupled, temporary supporting means for the trailer, connected tothe upper fifth wheel member, and movable in response to the extendingmovement of said upper member into operative position, said fifth wheelmembers being adapted when enga ed during coupling of the vehicles to beroced about the axis of vthe lower member as a unit to a substantiallyhorizontal position, shifting the upper member. rearwardly relative .tothe trailer and simultaneously rendering the trailer supporting meansinoperative.

31. In combination with a tractor, a semitrailer having a. main frame,an auxiliary frame carried by and relatively movable longitudinallythereof, with coupling means on said auxiliary frame for connecting thetrailer to a tractor, said auxiliary frame being extensible forwardly ofthe main frame during uncoupling of the trailer from 'its tractor andadapted for return movement to an inoperative position in the couplingof the trailer to the tractor, and supporting means positively connectedto and movable bodily with said auxiliary frame and adapted, uponextension of saidr auxiliary frame incident to uncoupling of the trailerand tractor, to assume a position adjacent the forward end of thetrailer at a substantialdistance forward of the position occupied bysaid supporting means in its inoperative position.

32. In combination with a tractor, a semitrailer having a main framewith an auxil- .A iary frame, the auxiliary frame being provided withcoupling means at its forward end for connecting the trailer to atractor and carrying supporting .means rearwardly of said couplingmeans, the auxiliary frame being mounted for longitudinal movement onthe main frame for extension of the portion which carries said couplingmeans beyond the front end of the main frame, such extension serving tocarry the supporting means forwardly to ay point adjacent the front endof the main frame for supporting said end of the trailer hen disengagedfrom its tractor. 33.l In combination with a tractor, Ya semitrailerhaving a main frame, supporting wheels atone end, and means at the otherY'end for supporting the trailer when disconnected from its tractor,said means compris-- ing a unitary auxiliary frame and groundengagingsupport mounted for\long`itudinal movement on the forward end of themainJ v`frame, the front end of said auxiliary frame being adapted torest upon the'tractor and able elevation of the ground support forclearance .to avoid ground obstructions. 40. In combination with atractor, a trailer includin a main frame, an auxiliary 5 frame Inova leon the front portion of the trailer andfnormally positioned within themain frame, a fifth Wheel carried by said auxiliary frame to engage alower fth Wheel of a tractor, ,a ground support for the front end of thetrailer when uncoupled from the tractor, and mounting means for theauxiliary A frame to afford bodily movement of the said auxiliary frameout from and into the main frame whereby to respectively bring saidground support into supporting position and elevate said ground supportto a'ord clearance and avoid ground obstructions incident to suchmovement of the auxiliary frame. y 41. In combination with a tractor, atrailer including a main frame, an auxiliary frame `movable on the frontportion of th'e trailer and normally positioned within the main frame, afifth wheel carried by said auxiliary frame to engage a lower fifthwheel of a trator normally inclined when u ncoupled from the trailer,and mounting means for the auxiliar frame to afford movement of thevsaid auxiliary frame out from the said .main frame whereby to disposethe said fifth Wheel 3 carried thereby in a correspondingly inclined andsubstantially parallel relation with respect tosaid tractor fifth wheel.

42. In a semi-trailer, an auxiliary'integralA frame movable on the frontportion of the trailer and comprising a fifth wheel and a ground engaginsupport for the front end Iof the trailer rigi and unitary withtheframe, and mountin ,means for the auxiliary frame to afford bolymovement on the trailer to o enable elevation of the ground support for.Clearance to avoid ground obstructions.

HARRY .W. HELMS.

